HL Deb 03 December 1969 vol 306 cc102-3
LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Committee to inquire into the conditions of service and discharge of boys who join the Armed Forces at 15 has been appointed; what are its terms of reference; whether evidence will be taken from informed organisations, and individuals; and who are its members.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE R.A.F. (LORD WINTERBOTTOM)

My Lords, the membership of the Committee and its terms of reference will be announced as soon as possible. I have no doubt that opportunities will be given for organisations and individuals to give evidence.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that reply, may I ask whether he can indicate what is meant by "as soon as possible", as this matter, since the Latey Report was published, has now been going on for months and months? Can my noble friend give us an assurance that, while the Defence Minister has said they will have to balance the moral issue against defence needs, Her Majesty's Government will recognise that the moral issue of enslaving boys of 15 in the Army for 15 years without an opportunity to decide whether they want to leave at 18, is one that should be in the minds of all of us who enshrine liberty?

LORD WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, I am sorry that I cannot give my noble friend an exact date, but "as soon as possible" is not going to be a long period. As regards the second point in his question, I think he damages his case by overstatement. These boys are not enslaved, and their interests are very carefully safeguarded by the procedures which exist.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, is it not a fact that these boys, when they sign on at 15, have an opportunity only for six months to decide whether they are going to remain in the Army for 15 years? And may they not very easily change their minds in adolescence and young manhood before that period is over?

LORD WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, this is a complex subject which varies from Service to Service. Perhaps when the Committee's structure is announced we can discuss it then.

A NOBLE LORD

My Lords, we certainly will.